I’ll be honest, pumpkin spice doesn’t really do it for me. But a good apple cider donut? Now that’s something I’m willing to drive hours for. Fluffy, warm and coated with cinnamon sugar, there are plenty of spots in the DMV to get your fall fix.
Apple House (Linden, VA)
Having tried dozens of apple cider donuts in the DMV, I can tell you right now, Apple House’s are king. You get them hot right out of the fryer, cakey but not dense. Do yourself a favor and grab a dozen. It’s an hour from D.C. but makes for a perfect stop on your way back from Shenandoah. Be prepared for a line on weekends.
Trader Joe’s (Various Locations)
Ok, hear me out. I would normally never suggest a national chain, but the apple cider donuts at TJ’s are amazing. And, you can’t beat the convenience. Warm them up a tad and serve them with some cider. You’d never know they weren't straight from the farm.
Donut Run (Takoma, DC)
Ok I lied, these are the best apple cider donuts in the DMV. (It’s hard to choose, OK?) As someone with a sweet tooth I appreciate the hefty coating of cinnamon sugar, and they are 100% vegan. Also try their other fall flavors like pumpkin crumb cake and pumpkin spice whip.
Gaver Farm (Mt. Airy, MD)
About an hour drive outside D.C., the donut hut at Gaver Farm might be the best deal around. They’re $13 for a dozen fresh apple cider donuts, or you can get one made “fancy” with caramel, maple bacon and apple pie filling.
Donut Run employees prep for fresh donuts deliveries. (Maansi Srivastava for The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Mac’s Donuts (Courthouse Farmers Market, VA)
This pop-up donut shop appears every Saturday at the Courthouse farmers market in Arlington and has built up a cult following (me, I’m the cult). The donuts are fried fresh and dunked in sugary goodness.
Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA)
What is it about farms pumping out the best apple cider donuts you’ve ever had? Great Country is no exception. They even have a special bakery with fresh coffee, cider, and donuts. You can shop without paying the price for admission.
Just Fine Donuts at Dairy Godmother (Del Rey, VA)
There is something very nostalgic about Just Fine Donuts, with classic flavors and rainbow sprinkles. The apple cider donuts are available for a limited time, so don’t be skimpy. Also, definitely grab some custard from Dairy Godmother to pair with it.
Sweet Crimes Bakery (Capitol Hill)
You can get an apple cider donut AND a pumpkin spice latte at this gluten-free bakery for $10. The donuts are light, toasty and sweet, hard to do for gluten free donuts. I am a big fan of their donut holes so I can eat them at will.
